Free Affordable Housing Financial Literacy Workshop in Princeton

Affordable Housing Providers in Princeton will present a free financial literacy and education workshop for people who rent of low and moderate income housing or those who want to apply to rent or purchase affordable rental properties in the area.

The workshop will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the main meeting room at the Princeton municipal complex at 400 Witherspoon Street. A light continental breakfast will be provided at 8:30 am for people who pre-register for the workshop.

Staff from The Central Jersey Housing Resource Center will be leading the workshop, along help from several Princeton affordable housing providers. Spanish translators will be present to answer questions.

Presenters will discuss real life examples to help participants learn more about credit and credit scoring, budgeting and tracking expenses, tenant and landlord responsibilities, and important documents to have. Questions from participants will be answered and information on available affordable housing in Princeton will also be provided.

While a credit score is not the only factor in the rental application process, it is a key factor for landlords.

“Credit is an important topic, and the majority of landlords in our area charge $25-$55 per applicant for a credit check,” stated Christy Peacock, Princeton’s Municipal Housing Liaison. “This workshop will cover a lot of information on credit including what makes up a credit score, what is in a credit report and how to obtain a free copy of a credit report.”

The workshop is a result of feedback from the community.

“During neighborhood meetings and in our conversations with applicants and residents, my colleagues and I have learned people need more information on how to resolve credit report inaccuracies, whether a family has been renting for 10 years or is just hoping to find an apartment for the first time in the next few months,” stated Princeton Community Housing Executive Director Edward Truscelli.

Pre-registration is required by March 3, or until the workshop is filled. There will be prize drawings for participants who pre-register, attend the full workshop and turn in a completed evaluation. Prizes include a one on one credit counseling session with ISLES or Family Guidance Center, two local nonprofit agencies that provide credit and financial literacy training.

To register or to get more information, please call Access Princeton at (609) 924-4141 or email accessprinceton@princetonnj.gov with your full name and daytime contact number.